The Covenant/Our Attitude Toward the Covenant

Our Attitude Toward the Covenant

Introduction

We have, so far, examined the meaning and origin of the Covenant.

We have yet to explore “what should be our attitude towards it.”

In lesson 1, we learned that the Covenant is an instrument through which God’s will is made known to us and His blessings are channeled for the accomplishment of His purpose. Shoghi Effendi indicates that, as believers, we ourselves can be “channels through which God carries His Message to mankind” and “instruments whereby He communicates His Will to His people.”*

The degree of our firmness in the Covenant—the meeting of our obligation as human beings, as instruments, and channels—is

dependent upon the attitude with which we approach the Covenant.

Our goal must be to “deepen the understanding and love” we have for the Covenant” and to increase our “level of conviction, and... loyalty to the Cause and its Institutions.”

1 The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1987 2 The Power of Divine Assistance 20 3 The Universal House of Justice, letter of 12-25-87

ee [Page 60]Overview

Our responsibility to the Covenant involves two duties. The first is recognition of the source of God’s will. This means recognition of God’s Manifestion, and, after Him, the person or institution He has designated as His successor. The second duty is obedience to the commands provided through God’s will. Through firmness in the Covenant—holding fast to the duties of recognition and obedience —we receive the blessings of God through which we are able to accomplish His purpose for ourselves and for society.

Attaining the highest degree of firmness depends upon our attitude toward the Covenant. Attitude, the feeling we have toward something, influences our behavior. Without proper attitudes recognition lacks conviction and evaporates in times of tests, while obedience is reduced to stretching the boundaries of the letter of the law.

There are a number of attitudes that influence our relationship to the Covenant. These center around faith and love. Through faith our recognition can grow to its highest degree—certitude. Likewise, through love our obedience can grow to its highest degree—submission to God’s will.

The year was 1898. ‘Abdu’l-Baha was a prisoner. For six years He had faced—virtually alone—the onslaught of His faithless brother and the violators of the Covenant. The light of the Cause of God had spread to only a few countries.

Gathered with ‘Abdu’1-Baha were the first pilgrims from the West. Though only a mere handful, these were the instruments through which the Center of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant would work to conquer the world. He nourished them with love and the divine teachings. Now they were ready to depart. What would He tell them? He spoke about their attitude toward the Covenant.

First, He discussed faith and a believer’s primary duty to recognize and be steadfast in the Cause: “And now I give you a commandment which shall be for a covenant between you and Me—that you have faith; that your faith be steadfast as a rock that no storms can move, that nothing can disturb, and that it endure through all things

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[Page 61]even to the end; even should ye hear that your Lord has been crucified, be not shaken in your faith; for I am with you always, whether living or dead, I am with you to the end. As ye have faith so shall your powers and blessings be. This is the balance—this is the balance—this is the balance.’

Second, He spoke of love and its relation to the second duty of obedience: “Another commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another even as I love you. Great mercy and blessings are promised to the people of your land, but on one condition: that their hearts are filled with the fire of love, that they live in perfect kindness and harmony like one soul in different bodies. If they fail in this condition the great blessings will be deferred. Never forget this; look at one another with the eye of perfection; look at Me, follow Me, be as I am; take no thought for yourselves or your lives, whether ye eat or whether ye sleep, whether ye are well or ill, whether ye are with friends or foes, whether ye receive praise or blame; for all these things ye must not care at all. Look at Me and be as I am; ye must die to yourselves and to the world, so shall ye be born again and enter the Kingdom. Behold a candle how it gives its light. It weeps its life away drop by drop in order to give forth its flame of light.”*

Many of the pilgrims proved themselves worthy of the charge given to them by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Their subsequent actions opened “a new epoch in the development of the Faith in the West.’ The twin duties of recognition and obedience are our responsibility as well.

The attitudes that relate to recognition concern the degree to which we know God through His Manifestation and steadfastly maintain our connection with our Lord. Our goal is the lofty summit of absolute certitude—certainty in the belief that we have found the source of God’s will.

The attitudes that relate to obedience concern loving God and His will more than we love our own wishes. We must demonstrate that love through action. “Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.”” The ideal state of this duty is complete submission to the will of God—consecration to doing what God wants us to do.

4 reported words of ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, An Early Pilgrimage 40 6 Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By 258 5 reported words of ‘Abdu’ l-Bah4, An Early Pilgrimage 41-42 7 Bahé’u’lldh, Gleanings 332

61 [Page 62]1. “Unless one recognize God and love Him, his cry shall not be heard by God in this Day. This is of the essence of His Faith, did ye but know it.” —Bahé’u’llah, Gleanings 293

2. “The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Day Spring of His Revelation... . It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other... .

“... They that have violated the Covenant of God by breaking His commandments, and have turned back on their heels, these have erred grievously in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High.” —Bahé’u’llah, Gleanings 330-31

3. “The supreme cause for creating the world and all that is therein is for man to know God. In this Day whosoever is guided... to... the station of recognizing the Source of divine commandments and the Dayspring of His Revelation, hath everlastingly attained unto all good. Having reached this lofty station a twofold obligation resteth upon every soul. One is to be steadfast in the Cause with such steadfastness that were all the peoples of the world to attempt to prevent him from turning to the Source of Revelation, they would be powerless to do so. The other is observance of the divine ordinances.... For man’s knowledge of God cannot develop fully and adequately save by observing whatsoever hath been ordained by Him and is set forth in His heavenly Book.” —Tablets of Baha'u'llah 268

4. “. .. With His own pen He wrote the Book of His Covenant, addressing His relations and all people of the world saying, ‘Verily, I have appointed One Who is the Centre of My Covenant. ‘All must obey Him; all must turn to Him; He is the Expounder of My Book, and He is informed of My purpose. All must turn to Him. Whatsoever He says is correct....’ The purpose of this statement is that there should never be discord and divergence among the Baha’is but that they should always be unified and agreed.... Therefore, whosoever obeys the Centre of the Covenant appointed by Baha’u’llah has obeyed Baha’u’lldh, and whosoever disobeys Him has disobeyed Baha’u’ lah... .” —‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Promulgation of Universal Peace 322-23

5. “I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee.” —Bahé’u’ll4h, Bahd'f Prayers 4

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Twin Duties

sublime: exalted; lofty

summit: the highest degree

transcendent: of very high and remarkable degree; unsurpassing [Page 63]6. “They who are the beloved of God, in whatever place they gather and whomsoever they may meet, must evince, in their attitude towards God, and in the manner of their celebration of His praise and glory, such humility and submissiveness that every atom of the dust beneath their feet may attest the depth of their devotion... .’

“, .. Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste the savor of such deeds as are performed in His path, and partake of the sweetness of such humility and submissiveness as are shown for His sake. ... If ye follow in His way, His incalculable and imperishable blessings will be showered upon you.” —Bahé’u’lléh, Gleanings 7, 9

7. “Rest thou assured and feel confident. Observe the written commandments of thy Lord with joy and peace, with earnestness and sincerity. ... His grace shall assist thee at all times, His blessings shall be bestowed upon thee....” —selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’ I-Bahd 309

8. “... More vital than any scheme... , far above the most elaborate structure which . . . organized Assemblies can hope to raise, is the realization down in the innermost heart of every true believer of the regenerating power, the supreme necessity, the unfailing efficacy of the Message he bears. . . . Nothing short of such an immovyable conviction could have in days past enabled our beloved Cause to weather the blackest storms in its history. Naught else can today vitalize the manifold activities in which unnumbered disciples of the Faith are engaged; naught else can provide that driving force and sustaining power that are both so essential to the success of vast and enduring achievements. It is this spirit that above all else we should sedulously guard, and strive with all our might to fortify and exemplify in all our undertakings.” —shoghi Effendi, Bahd'f Administration 111

9. “. .. For such an arresting and majestic vindication of the undefeatable powers inherent in our precious Faith, we can but bow our heads in humility, awe and thanksgiving, renew our pledge of fealty to it, and, each covenanting in his own heart, resolve to prove faithful to that pledge and persevere to the very end, until our earthly share of servitude to so transcendent and priceless a Cause has been totally and completely fulfilled.” | —shoghi Effendi, Messages to America 104

10. “TI testify, at this moment, to my powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy wealth.

“There is none other God but Thee, the Help in Peril, the SelfSubsisting.” —Bahé’u'll4h, Bahd'f Prayers 4

Attitude and the Release of Divine Power

evince: show or demonstrate clearly

attest: to bear witness to humility: lack of pride

submissiveness: quality of readily yielding to authority

incalculable: beyond measure

imperishable: not subject to destruction or decay

vital: of great importance; essential efficacy: effectiveness

conviction: strong belief

vitalize: to fill with life; energize

sedulously: diligently;

_ painstakingly

fortify: strengthen

exemplify: to serve as an example

arresting: striking

vindication: justification; defense

inherent: being a permanent and essential quality of something

fealty: faithfulness, loyalty

63 [Page 64]11. “O ye peoples of the Kingdom! How many a soul expended all its span of life in worship, endured the mortifications of the flesh, longed to gain entry into the Kingdom, and yet failed, while ye, with neither toil nor pain nor self-denial, have... entered in....

“The time hath come when, as a thank-offering for this bestowal, ye should grow in faith and constancy as day followeth day, and should draw ever nearer to the Lord, your God... .”

—Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd 18-19

12. “Such should be thy certitude that if all mankind were to advance such claims as no man hath ever advanced, or any mind conceived, thou wouldst completely ignore them... and would set thy face towards Him Who is the Object of the adoration of all worlds.... “Sharp must be thy sight... and adamant thy soul, and brass-like thy feet, if thou wishest to be unshaken by the assaults of the selfish desires that whisper in men’s breasts. ... Whatever thou seest in this Day shall perish. Supremely lofty will be thy station, if thou remainest steadfast in the Cause of thy Lord.”—sanhé’w'tlth, Gleanings 245-46

13. “The second Tajalli is to remain steadfast in the Cause of God ... and to be unswerving in His love. And this can in no wise be attained except through full recognition of Him [the Manifestation]; and full recognition cannot be obtained save by faith in the blessed words: “He doeth whatsoever He willeth.’” —Tablets of Bahd' u'lléh 51

14. “Neither the administration, nor the general teaching work of the Cause... will progress, or be able to accomplish anything, unless the believers are truly firm, deep spiritually convinced Baha’is. .. . Once a Baha’i has the profound conviction of the authority from God, vested in the Prophet, passed on to the Master, and by Him, to the Guardians, and which flows out through the assemblies and creates order based on obedience—once a Baha’j has this, nothing can shake him.” —written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening 48

15. “Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker’s heart, and the breeze of His lovingkindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being.... Gazing with the eye of God, he will perceive within every atom a door that leadeth him to the stations of absolute certitude.” = —The Kitéb-i-fqdn 195-96

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Faith: From Recognition to Certitude

expended: spent, used up

constancy: steadfastness or faithfulness

Tajalli (ta-ja-lee): one of four sections of a Tablet of Baha'u'llah entitled Tajallayat (ta-ja-lee-yawt) or Effulgences (Splendors)

unswerving: not turning aside from

profound: deep vested: given to someone

by one who has power and authority

fervid: with passion

rapture: overwhelming delight

dispelled: driven away

dissipated: scattered; driven away

certitude: complete confidence; certainty [Page 65]16. “Firmness in the Covenant means obedience so that no one may say, ‘this is my opinion,’ nay rather he must obey that which proceeds from the Pen and Tongue of the Covenant.”

—‘Abdu’l-Bah4, The Power of the Covenant, Part II, 33

17. “Are we to doubt that the ways of God are not necessarily the ways of man? Is not faith but another word for implicit obedience, whole-hearted allegiance, uncompromising adherence to that which we believe is the revealed and express will of God, however perplexing it might first appear?... If we are to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him should fail to direct us and keep us within His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this world?” —Shoghi Effendi, Baha’ f Administration 62-63

18. “The true lovers of the Abha beauty, and they that have quaffed the Cup of the Covenant fear no calamity, nor feel depressed in the hour of trial. ...

“Rest thou assured and feel confident. Observe the written commandments of thy Lord with joy and peace, with earnestness and sincerity. ... His grace shall assist thee at all times, His blessings shall be bestowed upon thee, and thy heart’s desire shall be realized.” —Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’ I-Bahd 309

19. “The essence of love is for man to turn his heart to the Beloved One, and sever himself from all else but Him, and desire naught save that which is the desire of His Lord.” —Tablets of Bahé' u'lléh 155

20. “By self-surrender and perpetual union with God is meant that men should merge their will wholly in the Will of God, and regard their desires as utter nothingness beside His Purpose. Whatsoever the Creator commandeth His creatures to observe, the same must they diligently, and with the utmost joy and eagerness, arise and fulfil.... In the Prayer of Fasting We have revealed: ‘Should Thy Will decree that out of Thy mouth these words proceed and be addressed to them, “Observe, for My Beauty’s sake, the fast, O people, and set no limit to its duration,” I swear by the majesty of Thy glory, that every one of them will faithfully observe it, will abstain from whatsoever will violate Thy law, and will continue to do so until they yield up their souls unto Thee.’ In this consisteth the complete surrender of one’s will to the Will of God. ... The station of absolute self-surrender transcendeth, and will ever remain exalted above, every other station.” —Bahé’u'lléh, Gleanings 337-38

Love: From Obedience to Submission

implicit: unquestioning; absolute

allegiance: loyalty or devotion

uncompromising: unyielding; inflexible

adherence: loyalty; faithful attachment

sever: to cut off

self-surrender: to give up one’s self

perpetual: lasting forever

diligently: with hard work and effort

decree: an order given by one in authority

duration: length of time something lasts

abstain: refrain from; avoid

For more quotations on topics raised in this lesson see the index, page 81.

65 [Page 66]Illustration

“There is a natural poetry in the African speech. It is not dependent on education. One of the most eloquent of all those we met was an illiterate. ...

“He wanted so sincerely to be a Baha’i. We had come to determine his understanding, to see if he were ready to become a believer... .

““Tell us in your own words,’ we asked him, ‘about the Bab, Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’1-Bahd.’

“He nodded. Never taking his eyes from ours, he began to speak.

“*When it is dusk, no one sees good. They fear. They hate what they don’t see. Even if it is people. Then the sun comes and they do see a little. And things are not so bad. That is the Bab. He was good. They killed him because they liked it to be dark. But it needed to be brighter like hot day-time to see they are wrong to hate. This was Baha’u’llah. “See everybody,” He said, “how nice they are. Love, don’t hate.” He died. Not really death because he left His son ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Not so bright, but good like afternoon sun to see us safe home before it is black. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said good things. People are alike even if they look different. All belong to God, so don’t do what God wouldn’t do. Be good men. Then He died. But he told us to go to the Guardian (Shoghi Effendi). He would be strong and guard us. He would take away our troubles. He will, too; I believe in him. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said, “Whatever the Guardian says is right. Do it.” And I will.’

“When he had finished, a questioning look came into his eyes. It seemed to say, ‘Please, am I a Baha’i?’

““T know I am ignorant,’ he told us, ‘but I want to learn all there is in the world to know about my Faith. I can’t find words for the fullness of my heart.’ He sighed sadly, as he made a confession.

‘T tried to tell my religious man what I believe. He stops me sometimes and says “Where are you when it is church?” I told him what I believe, but always he defeats me what I say. He defeats me with words.’ Suddenly he looked up and smiled happily. ‘But he only defeats my head, not my heart. This,’ he said, touching his heart, ‘belongs to Baha’u’llah and no one can conquer it away from Him.’

“When they asked us later if we thought the young man should be taken into the Faith, we replied, ‘If you don’t take him in, you had better put us out because we are learning from him every moment.’”

—Sears, ‘Black Sunlight,’ The Bahd'{ World, Vol. XII, 926-27

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[Page 67]Juliet Thompson, an early American believer, related the following incident from ‘Abdu’1-Baha’s stay in New York:

“«”.. Miss Buckton had arrived .. . and a poor little waif of humanity.... She was all in black, this poor child, with a little, pale face, careworn and tearworn.

“T had been in the kitchen with Lua. I came out upon a scene dominated by the Master. He was sitting, as usual, at the window. .... On one side sat Miss Buckton, on the other, this poor stricken child. While the biggest tears I have ever seen splashed from her eyes she told him her hopelessly dismal story.

“Don’t grieve now, don’t grieve,’ He said. He was very, very still...

““My brother has been in prison for three years. He was imprisoned unjustly. It was not his fault; he was led; he was weak, a victim of others. He has four more years to serve. My father and mother are depressed all the time. My brother-in-law who was our support has just died... .’

“*You must trust in God,’ said ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

“But the more I trust the worse things become!’ she sobbed.

““You have never trusted.’

““But my mother is reading the psalms all the time. She does not deserve that God should so abandon her! I read the psalms myself, the ninety-first psalm and the twenty-third psalm every night before I go to bed. I pray, too.’

““To pray is not to read the psalms. To pray is to trust in God and be submissive in all things to Him. Be submissive, and then things will change for you. Put your family in God’s hands. Love God’s will. Strong ships are not conquered by the sea; they ride the

waves! Now be a strong ship, not a battered one.’” —quoted in Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’!-Bahd 213-14

67 [Page 68]Further Study

Select one of the passages from the “Readings” section.

What does the passage mean What are the implications of to you? the passage for your life?

List any unanswered questions about the lesson you may want to explore in more depth. Use the index on page 81 and additional reading below to help you find answers to your questions.

1.

De

Gleanings, by Baha’u’llah, 259-346 Passages concerning the duties of the individual and the spiritual meaning of life.

The Imperishable Dominion, by Udo Schaefer, Chapters X-XII

A discussion of issues related to the individual’s attitude and responsibility toward the Covenant..

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Personal Reflection

Remaining Questions

Additional Reading [Page 69]1. Name the two duties prescribed by God for all humans:

a.

b.

How are these duties related to the Covenant between God and humanity?

2. (Circle all that apply.) Our degree of certitude should be such that we:

a. ignore attacks made by those who don’t believe in Baha’u’llah

b. recognize that God does whatever He wills

c. never disobey God

d. remain unshaken by those who advance selfish claims

3. (Circle all that apply.) To surrender ourselves to the will of God means to:

a. merge our will with the God’s will

b. see our own desires as nothing compared to God’s purpose

c. avoid doing what violates the laws of God

d. realize that we all will eventually die

69 [Page 70]Answers

The following are suggested answers. Depending on your understanding of the quotes, you may have different answers. Consider the suggested answers a starting point for thought and discussion.

1. Recognition of God’s Manifestation and obedience to His teachings. These two duties are our part of the Covenant. This extends in Baha’u’llah’s Covenant to steadfastness and obedience toward the institutions which are the source of God’s will.

2. a,b,andd. Regarding “a,” see #12 page 64; for “b,” see #15, page 64; and for “d,” see #12, page 64. Regarding “c,” if we never disobeyed God, we would have reached a state of perfection that is impossible for humans to attain. Also, degree of obedience relates more directly to submission than to certitude (we can be assured of what the will of God is even though we sometimes fail to obey it).

3. a,b, andc. See #20, page 65.

Discussion

What does the Short Obligatory Prayer (quotes #5 and #10) teach us about our attitude toward the Covenant? Consider the other obligatory prayers as well if time permits.

Baha’u’llah ties steadfastness in the Cause to faith in the words “He doeth whatsoever He willeth.” What is your understanding of this

phrase? How does faith in these words relate to steadfastness? (Refer to #13, page 64.)

How is “surrendering the self to the Will of God” demonstrated in our daily lives?

Keeping in mind the concept of our twin duties and attitude toward the Covenant, how could you respond to the question: “I’m a good person (or good Christian, etc.); I treat my fellow humans well (or obey what Christ taught); why should I become a Baha’i?”

How does our attitude toward the Covenant relate to our interaction with our local or National Spiritual Assembly?

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